US8820656B2 - Dispenser for aerosol systems - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol system for dispensing liquid material, comprising a container assembly and an actuator assembly comprising an outlet member defining an outlet opening, a collar member, an actuator member, and a selector member. The actuator member supports the collar member and the outlet member such that movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member causes the collar member to deform the outlet member. Movement of the selector member relative to the collar member moves the collar member relative to the actuator member. Deformation of the outlet member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. When the actuator assembly is in a first position, the liquid material is prevented from flowing out of the container. When the actuator assembly is in a second position, the liquid material is allowed to flow out of the container assembly through the outlet opening.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/742,232 filed Jan. 15, 2013, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,045 filed Oct. 11, 2011.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,045 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/401,495 filed Mar. 10, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,033,484, which issued on Oct. 11, 2011.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/401,495 is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/502,250, filed Aug. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,621, which issued on Mar. 10, 2009.

U.S. application Ser. No. 11/502,250 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/411,779, filed on Apr. 10, 2003, now abandoned.

The contents of all related applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to aerosol systems having variable outlet openings.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol systems comprise an aerosol assembly and a liquid product to be dispensed. The aerosol assembly conventionally comprises a container, a valve assembly, an actuator assembly, and a cap. The liquid product is disposed within the container along with a propellant material that pressurizes the product. The valve assembly is normally in a closed configuration but may be placed in an open configuration to allow pressurized product to exit the container. The actuator assembly engages the valve assembly such that pressing the actuator assembly places the valve assembly in the open configuration to allow the product to be dispensed through a nozzle formed by the actuator assembly. The cap engages the container to protect the actuator assembly when the aerosol system is not in use.

For some materials being dispensed, the actuator assembly defines an outlet opening having an effective cross-sectional area that may be varied. Examples of actuators that define outlet openings the effective cross-sectional areas of which may be varied are described in the Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,185, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the systems described U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,185, the outlet opening is changed to obtain different spray patterns and the like; this structure is of particular significance when the material to be dispensed is texture material. Texture material is deposited on a surface in a texture pattern for aesthetic purposes. The invention will be described herein in the context of an actuator assembly having a variable outlet opening, but certain aspects of the present invention may be applied to other types of actuators as will become apparent from the following discussion.

The cap employed by many aerosol systems prevents accidental discharge of product in many situations. However, it is possible that the cap may deformed by a load thereon sufficiently that product will be dispensed accidentally. In addition, the cap itself will not prevent malicious tampering with the product. A person wishing to tamper with the aerosol system can simply remove the cap and depress the actuator button.

Tampering is an even greater concern with a certain class of aerosol systems. In particular, certain aerosol systems employ a compressed inert gas such as air or nitrogen as the propellant material. The inert gas is typically lighter than the product being dispensed and will collect at the upper end of the container, so the aerosol assembly is designed with a dip tube that extends to the bottom of the container. When container is upright and the valve assembly is in the open configuration, the pressurized inert gas forces the product out of the container through the dip tube. However, if the container is inverted when the valve assembly is in the open configuration, the inert gas is free to flow out of the container through the dip tube in a very short time and without clear evidence that tampering has taken place. Once the compressed inert gas is dispensed, the aerosol system cannot dispense any of the product within the container and is considered defective.

SUMMARY

The present invention may be embodied as an aerosol system for dispensing liquid material comprising a container assembly and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly comprises an outlet member defining an outlet opening, a collar member, an actuator member, and a selector member. The actuator member is supported by the container assembly in first and second positions and supports the collar member and the outlet member such that movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member causes the collar member to deform the outlet member. Movement of the selector member relative to the collar member causes movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member. Deformation of the outlet member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. When the actuator assembly is in the first position, the liquid material is prevented from flowing out of the container. When the actuator assembly is in the second position, the liquid material is allowed to flow out of the container assembly through the outlet opening.

The present invention may also be embodied as a method of dispensing liquid material comprising the following steps. A container assembly, an outlet member defining an outlet opening, a collar member, an actuator member, and a selector member are provided. The collar member and the outlet member are supported on the actuator member. The selector member is supported relative to the collar member such that movement of the selector member relative to the collar member causes movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member. The actuator member is supported relative to the container assembly. The selector member is moved relative to the collar member to move the collar member relative to the actuator member to cause the collar member to deform the outlet member and thereby alter a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. The actuator member is displaced to allow the liquid material to flow out of the container assembly through the outlet opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portion of a first embodiment of an aerosol assembly that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are section views of the aerosol assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view similar toFIGS. 2A and 2B depicting the alteration of the aerosol assembly to allow discharge of material;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an aerosol assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the aerosol assembly ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of an aerosol assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the aerosol assembly ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of an aerosol assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a nozzle member of the aerosol assembly ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the nozzle member ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a dispensing assembly that may be used as part of a fifth embodiment of an aerosol assembly of the present invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are side elevation, partial cutaway views of the dispensing assembly ofFIG. 11 illustrating the removal of a security tab portion;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation, partial cutaway view of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12 illustrating the interaction of a base member with a selector member thereof;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation, partial cutaway view of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12 illustrating the interaction of the base member, collar member, selector member, and actuator member thereof;

FIGS. 17A-17D are side elevation, front elevation, top plan, and side elevation cutaway views of a base member of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12;

FIGS. 18A-C are side elevation, front elevation, and bottom plan views of the collar member (including security tab portion) of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 18D is a side elevation cutaway view of the collar member ofFIGS. 18A-C with the security tab portion removed;

FIGS. 19A-19E are side elevation, rear elevation, bottom plan, front elevation, and side elevation cutaway views of the selector member of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 20A is a side elevation view of the actuator member and outlet member of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 20B is a side elevation cutaway view of the actuator member and outlet member depicted inFIG. 20A;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view section view depicting the interaction of the base member with the selector member of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12 in a storage configuration;

FIGS. 22,23, and24 depict the orientation of the selector member and the collar member with respect to the base member of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12 in a first use configuration; and

FIGS. 25,26, and27 depict the orientation of the selector member and the collar member with respect to the base member of the dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12 in a second use configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. First Embodiment

Turning now to the drawing, depicted at20 inFIGS. 1-3 is a first embodiment of an aerosol system constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. Theaerosol system20 comprises acontainer assembly22 and anactuator assembly24. Theaerosol system20 will also typically include a valve assembly, a liquid product to be dispensed, and a propellant material. The valve assembly, liquid product, and propellant material are or may be conventional and are not shown in the drawings or described herein beyond what is necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

Theactuator assembly24 is mounted on thecontainer assembly22 for movement between first and second positions. In the first position, the valve assembly is closed and the liquid product cannot flow out of thecontainer assembly22. In the second position, the valve assembly is opened and the liquid product is allowed to flow out of thecontainer assembly22 as will be described in further detail below.

Theactuator assembly24 comprises anactuator member30, anozzle member32, aslide member34, and acollar member36. Abase member38 is mounted on thecontainer assembly22 and engages the actuator assembly as will be described in further detail below.

Theactuator member30 comprises anozzle portion40 and astem portion42 and defines at least a portion of adischarge passageway44. In theexemplary aerosol system22, thenozzle member32 is mounted on thenozzle portion40 to define anoutlet portion50 of thedischarge passageway44; the portion of thedischarge passageway44 defined by thenozzle member32 terminates in an outlet opening52. Theexemplary nozzle member32 is a flexible, hollow cylindrical member and may be deformed to change an effective cross-sectional area of the outlet opening52 of thedischarge passageway44.

Theslide member34 comprises afinger portion60, a male threadedportion62, alocking tab portion64, and abutton portion66. Thecollar member36 defines arail portion70 and a female threadedportion72. Thefinger portion60 of theslide member34 extends around at least a portion of thenozzle member32 that defines theoutlet portion50 of thedischarge passageway44. The threadedportions62 and72 of theslide member34 andcollar member36 engage each other to allow displacement of theslide member34 along an outlet axis A relative to thecollar member36 when thecollar member36 is rotated about the outlet axis A.

Under certain conditions, depressing thebutton portion66 in the direction shown by arrow B inFIGS. 1 and 3 causes theslide member34 to engage and downwardly displace theactuator member30. Downward displacement of theactuator member30 causes thestem portion42 thereof to engage the valve assembly and place the valve assembly in an open configuration to allow liquid product to be dispensed from thecontainer22 through thedischarge passageway44.

Thebase member38 comprises a mountingportion80 and definesgroove portions82 and throughopening84. Theexemplary base member38 further comprisesear portions86 that extend the surface area in which thegroove portions82 are formed. The mountingportion80 engages thecontainer22 below theactuator assembly24. Thestem portion42 of theactuator member30 extends through the throughopening84 and into thecontainer22 to engage the valve assembly.

Therail portion70 on thecollar member36 is annular, and thegroove portions82 in thebase member38 are arcuate. Therail portion70 engages thegroove82 to allow thecollar member36 to rotate about the outlet axis A but prevent movement of thecollar member36 along this axis A. Because thecollar member36 cannot move along the outlet axis A, when thecollar member36 is rotated about the axis A the threadedportions62 and72 engage each other to cause theslide member34 to move along this axis A relative to thebase member38, theactuator member30, and thenozzle member32.

Thestem portion42 of theactuator member30 supports theactuator assembly24 above thebase member38 such that theactuator assembly24 moves within a defined range along a predetermined path relative to thebase member38. Referring again for a moment toFIG. 3, identified by reference character C is the distance along or range within which theactuator assembly24 moves relative to thebase member38 andcontainer assembly22.

When theactuator member30 is mounted on thecontainer assembly22, thelocking tab portion64 of theslide member34 is arranged between thenozzle portion40 of theactuator member30 and thebase member38. Thelocking tab portion64 is sized and dimensioned to prevent downward movement of theactuator member30 relative to thebase member38. Thelocking tab portion64 thus prevents the movement of theactuator assembly24 from the first position to the second position that would cause the valve assembly of theaerosol system20 to open.

In particular, an effective thickness D of the locking tab portion64 (between theactuator member30 and base member38) is approximately equal to the range or distance C along which theactuator assembly24 travels. Accordingly, as long as thelocking tab portion64 is attached to theslide member34, thenozzle assembly24 cannot move relative to thecontainer assembly22 and theaerosol system20 cannot dispense texture material.

Referring now toFIG. 3, it can be seen that thelocking tab portion64 may be detached from theslide member34. In particular, the exemplarylocking tab portion64 is scored along a parting line E such that, when the lockingtap portion64 is grasped and twisted about the parting line E, thelocking tab portion64 breaks off from theslide member34. With thelocking tab portion64 detached as just described, nothing prevents theactuator member30 from moving towards thebase member38.

Theactuator assembly24 thus operates in a locked state in which thelocking tab portion64 is arranged to prevent movement of theactuator member30 towards thebase member38 and an unlocked state in which thelocking tab portion64 is detached from theslide member34.

The exemplarylocking tab portion64 is formed as part of theslide member34, and this structure is preferred; however, thelocking tab portion64 may be formed on any member of theactuator assembly24 or even on thebase member38 or thecontainer assembly22. In any configuration, thelocking tab portion64 is arranged to prevent movement of theactuator assembly24 from its first position to its second position and then detached to allow such movement.

Thefinger portion60 of theslide member34 is sized and dimensioned to engage thenozzle member32 as theslide member34 moves along the outlet axis A. In particular, when theslide member34 is in a first end position relative to thenozzle member32, theoutlet portion50 of thenozzle member32 is not deformed; the effective area of the outlet opening52 is thus determined by the diameter of thenozzle member32 when not deformed. As theslide member34 moves from the first end position to a second end position, thefinger portion60 engages and deforms thenozzle member32 such that the effective area of the outlet opening52 reduces. And as theslide member36 moves back to the first end position from the second end position, theresilient nozzle member32 returns to its original, non-deformed configuration.

Accordingly, when rotated about the outlet axis, thecollar member36 causes the effective area of the outlet opening52 to vary continuously from a first value corresponding to the first end position of theslide member36 down to a second value corresponding to the second end position of theslide member36.

The ability to vary the effective cross-sectional area of the outlet opening52 is important with certain materials. For example, texture material may be dispensed in different texture patterns to match an existing texture pattern.

The structure employed to vary the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening may be different from that disclosed above. In addition, the present invention in its broadest form does not require the use of an actuator assembly having a variable outlet opening. Theactuator assembly24 depicted herein, while desirable for dispensing texture material, is not the only actuator assembly that may be used to implement the principles of the present invention.

Theactuator assembly24 is assembled as follows. Thebase member38 is first attached to thecontainer assembly22. Thestem portion42 of theactuator member30 is then inserted through the throughopening84 in thebase member38 until it engages the valve assembly within thecontainer assembly22. Thecollar member36 is then arranged behind theactuator member30 with therail portion70 thereof engaging thegroove82 in thebase portion38. Theslide member34 is then displaced along the outlet axis A towards thecollar member36 until the male threadedportion62 of theslide member34 engages the female threadedportion72 of thecollar member36. Thecollar member36 is then rotated relative to theslide member34 such that theslide member34 is drawn towards thecollar member36. Theslide member34 eventual reaches a locked location at which anotch90 in thelocking tab portion64 engages aprojection92 on thebase member38.

Accordingly, with theactuator assembly24 in its locked stated, theprojection92 engages thenotch90 to prevent further movement of theslide member34 towards thecollar member36. Theprojection92 also engages thenotch90 to prevent theslide member34 from rotating up relative to thebase member38.

Theaerosol system20 will normally be shipped and stored with theactuator assembly24 in its locked state. Thelocking tab portion64 will help prevent accidental discharge of the liquid product. Thelocking tab portion64 ensures that tampering without leaving evidence of such tampering takes significant effort (i.e., disassembly of the actuator assembly). Further, if thelocking tab portion64 is removed, this is evidence of tampering that allows manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to determine when and where the tampering is occurring.

2. Second Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, depicted at120 therein is an aerosol system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Theaerosol system120 is similar to theaerosol system20 described above and will be described herein only to the extent that thesesystems20 and120 differ.

Theaerosol system120 comprises acontainer assembly122, anactuator assembly124, and a valve assembly (not shown). Theactuator assembly124 comprises anactuator member130, anozzle member132, aslide member134, and acollar member136. Abase member138 is mounted on thecontainer assembly122.

Theactuator member130 comprises a nozzle portion (not shown) and a stem portion (not shown) and defines at least a portion of a discharge passageway. Theslide member134 comprises afinger portion160, a male threaded portion (not shown), alocking tab portion164, and abutton portion166. Thecollar member136 defines arail portion170 and a female threaded portion (not shown). Thebase member138 comprises a mountingportion180 and definesgroove portions182, a through opening (not shown), and a pair ofear members186.

As with theaerosol system20 described above, under certain conditions depressing thebutton portion166 places the valve assembly in an open configuration to allow liquid product to be dispensed from thecontainer122 through the discharge passageway.

Theaerosol system120 differs from thesystem20 in that theear members186 extend from the mounting portion180 a distance F that is significantly larger than the distance that theear members86 extend from the mountingportion80. As perhaps best shown inFIG. 5, this distance F is such thattips190 of theear members186 are extend beyond and on either side of thebutton portion166. In particular, when theactuator assembly124 is mounted on thecontainer assembly122, anupper surface192 of thebutton portion166 is spaced a distance G from the mountingportion180. The distance G is slightly less than distance F associated with theear members186.

A load applied on the top of theaerosol system20 will thus engage theear members186 before engaging the buttonupper surface192. Theear members186 can be made in a geometric configuration that can bear loads that are significantly greater than the loads that can be carried by, for example, a conventional cap (not shown) commonly used to cover and protect the actuator assembly of an aerosol system. Theear members186 can also be made to bear loads larger than those that can be borne by thetab portion164 of theslide member132. Theear members186 thus significantly increase the ability of theaerosol system20 to bear top loads such as those that would be created by stacking heavy items on a container carrying a plurality ofsystems120.

3. Third Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, depicted at220 therein is an aerosol system constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Theaerosol system220 is similar to theaerosol systems20 and120 described above and will be described herein only to the extent that it differs from thesystems20 and120.

Theaerosol system220 comprises acontainer assembly222, anactuator assembly224, and a valve assembly (not shown). Theactuator assembly224 comprises anactuator member230, a nozzle member232, aslide member234, and acollar member236. Abase member238 is mounted on thecontainer assembly222.

Theactuator member230 comprises a nozzle portion (not shown) and a stem portion (not shown) and defines at least a portion of a discharge passageway. Theslide member234 comprises afinger portion260, a male threaded portion (not shown) and abutton portion266. Thecollar member236 defines arail portion270 and a female threaded portion (not shown). Thebase member238 comprises a mountingportion280 and definesgroove portions282, a through opening (not shown), andear portions286.

As with theaerosol systems20 and120 described above, under certain conditions depressing thebutton portion266 places the valve assembly in an open configuration to allow liquid product to be dispensed from thecontainer222 through the discharge passageway.

Theaerosol system120 differs from thesystems20 and120 in that theactuator assembly224 further comprises atab member290. Theactuator assembly224 is placed in its locked configuration by arranging thetab member290 to engage thebutton portion266 and theear members286. When theactuator assembly24 is in its locked configuration, thebutton portion266 cannot move relative to theear members286 under normal conditions. Thetab member290 thus functions as a tab portion that prevents movement of theactuator assembly24 from its first position to its second position when attached to thebutton portion266.

More specifically, thetab member290 defines a lockingchannel292 and a pair ofelbow portions294. Thebutton portion266 is sized and dimensioned to be received within the lockingchannel292. Thetab member290 is moved into a locked position by displacing themember290 such that the lockingchannel292 receives at least a portion of thebutton portion266. Thetab member290 can move only in a removal direction from the locked position, with friction maintaining the tab member on thebutton portion266. When thetab member290 is in the locked position, theelbow portions294 engageupper surfaces296 formed on theear members286. Theelbow portions294 bridge over the top of thebutton portion266 and suspend thebutton portion266 below the lockingchannel292.

Thetab member290 thus protects thebutton portion266 from top loads by forming a structural member that extends over the top of thebutton portion266 and also prevents inadvertent depressing of thebutton portion266. A tamper seal may be adhered to thetab member290 and thebutton portion266 such that the tamper seal must be destroyed before thetab member290 is detached from thebutton portion266. Such a tamper seal will allow detection of tampering.

Theexemplary tab member290 engages thebutton portion266 using a rail and channel, other attachment systems may be used. For example, a peg that frictionally engages a peg, a snap fit, a temporary adhesive or the like may be used as attachment systems. Generally speaking, any such attachment system should require thetab member290 to be displaced relative to the button portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which thebutton portion266 is pressed. This avoids moving theactuator assembly24 from its first to its second position while attaching thetab member290 to thebutton portion266.

4. Fourth Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 8-10, depicted at320 therein is an aerosol system constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Theaerosol system320 will be described herein primarily to the extent that it differs from thesystems20,120, and220 described above.

Theaerosol system320 comprises acontainer assembly322, anactuator assembly324, and a valve assembly (not shown) mounted on thecontainer assembly322. Thecontainer assembly322 and valve assembly are or may be conventional and will not be described herein in detail. As shown inFIG. 8, anoptional base member326 may be mounted on thecontainer assembly322.

Theactuator assembly324 comprises anactuator member330 and anozzle member332. Theactuator member330 defines at least a portion of a discharge passageway and comprises anozzle portion340 and a stem portion (not shown inFIG. 8). A portion of thenozzle portion340 is configured to define an internal threaded portion (not shown inFIG. 8). Thenozzle member332 comprises alocking tab portion350,nozzle portion352, a male threadedportion354, and abutton portion356 and at least a portion of the discharge passageway. Thebase member326 comprises a mountingportion360 and a pair of ear portions362 (only one shown inFIG. 8) and defines astop surface364.

The discharge passageway defined by theactuator member330 andnozzle member332 may define a fixed outlet opening, or the outlet opening defined thereby may be adjustable as with thesystems20,120, and220 described above. If the discharge passageway is fixed, the functions of theactuator member330 andnozzle member332 may be implemented in a single part.

Initial fabrication of theaerosol system320 is accomplished by engaging the male threadedportion354 of thenozzle member332 with the internal threaded portion of theactuator member330 to form theactuator assembly324. The stem portion of theactuator member330 is then engaged with the valve assembly to form theaerosol system320.

When theactuator assembly324 is initially placed on thecontainer assembly322, thesystem320 is in a locked configuration. In particular, thelocking tab portion350 comprises alock portion370, a connectingportion372, and ahandle portion374. Thelock portion370 is connected to or integrally formed with thenozzle portion340 of theactuator member330 at a break line376. The connectingportion372 connects thelock portion370 to thehandle portion374.

When thesystem320 is in the locked configuration, thelock portion370 is arranged between thenozzle portion352 of theactuator member330 and thecontainer assembly322. When an actuating force is applied to thebutton portion356, thelock portion370 prevents theactuator member330 from moving towards thecontainer assembly322. Thelock member370 thus prevents movement of theactuator member330 relative to thecontainer assembly322 that would place the valve assembly in its open configuration and cause product within thecontainer assembly322 to be dispensed.

To remove thesystem320 from the locked configuration, thehandle portion374 is rotated or twisted to cause thelocking tab portion350 separate from thenozzle portion340 at the break line376. With thelock portion370 no longer arranged between thecontainer assembly322 and thenozzle portion352 of theactuator member330, theaerosol assembly320 is in an unlocked configuration. When the aerosol assembly is in the unlocked configuration, theactuator member330 is free to travel toward thecontainer assembly322. Depressing thebutton portion356 of thenozzle member332 when thesystem320 is in the unlocked position thus causes the valve assembly to open, thereby allowing material within thecontainer assembly322 to be dispensed along the discharge passageway.

If used, thebase member326 is secured to thecontainer assembly322 such that thelock member370 engages thestop surface364 of thebase member326 when thesystem320 is in the locked configuration. In this case, thelock member370 indirectly engages thecontainer assembly322 through thebase member326.

Theear portions362 of thebase member326 extend at least partly along opposing sides of theactuator assembly324. Theear portions362 thus protect theactuator assembly324 from at least side impacts.

5. Fifth Embodiment

Referring now toFIGS. 11-27, depicted at420 therein is an dispensing assembly that may be used by a fifth embodiment of an aerosol system of the present invention. The dispensingassembly420 will be described herein primarily to the extent that it differs from theactuator assemblies24,124,224, and324 described above.

The aerosol system incorporating theexample actuator system420 comprises a container assembly and a valve assembly mounted on the container assembly as generally described above. The container assembly and valve assembly are or may be conventional and will not be described herein in detail.

The dispensingassembly420 comprises abase member430, anactuator member432, anoutlet member434, acollar member436, and aselector member438. Thebase member430 is adapted to engage the container assembly of the aerosol system. Theactuator member432 extends through thebase member430 to engage the valve assembly of the aerosol system. Theactuator member432 further supports theresilient outlet member434.

With theactuator member432 supporting theoutlet member434, theactuator member432 andoutlet member434 define an outlet passageway through which material is dispensed from the container assembly and through the valve assembly. The outlet passageway terminates in an outlet opening defined by theoutlet member434. Thecollar member436 extends around a portion of theactuator member432. Theselector member438 engages thebase member430 and thecollar member436 such that rotation of theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436 displaces thecollar member436 relative to theactuator member432. As thecollar member436 is displaced relative to theactuator member432, thecollar member436 acts on theactuator member432 such that theoutlet member434 is deformed. Deforming theoutlet member434 alters the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening defined by theoutlet member434.

Referring for a moment now toFIGS. 12,13, and18A-18D, depicted therein in further detail is theexample collar member436. Thecollar member436 comprises an engagingportion440, asecurity tab portion442, and abutton portion444. A collar threadedportion446 is formed on the engagingportion440, and alock projection448 is formed on thebutton portion444. Thecollar member436 further defines acollar chamber450. A firstcollar opening surface452, secondcollar opening surface454, andcollar slot456 allow access to thecollar chamber450.

As shown by a comparison ofFIGS. 12 and 13, thesecurity tab portion442 may be removed from the engagingportion440 by deliberate application of manual force on thesecurity tab portion442.FIGS. 18B and 18D illustrate a reducedcross-section portion458 that facilitates removal of thesecurity tab portion442 from the engagingportion440. As will be described in further detail below, the dispensingassembly420 cannot be operated until thesecurity tab portion442 is removed.

Turning now toFIGS. 19A-E, theexample selector member438 is depicted in further detail therein. Theselector member438 comprises a receivingportion460, ahandle portion462, aflange portion464, and selector threadedportion466. The selector threadedportion466 defines internal threads around a receivingrecess468. Astorage notch464aand ratchetnotches464bare formed in theflange portion464.

The internal selector threadedportion466 is sized and dimensioned to receive the collar threadedportion446. When the collar threadedportion446 is received by the selector threadedportion466, rotation of theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436 displaces thecollar member436 relative to theselector member438 as will be described in further detail below.

In addition, when the threadedportions466 and446 engage each other, thelock projection448 of thecollar member436 is located to engage theflange portion464 of theselector member438. Depending upon an angular relationship between thecollar member436 andselector member438, thelock projection448 may extend into thestorage notch464aor one of theratchet notches464bin theflange portion464.

The engagement of thelock projection448 with thenotch464aor one of thenotches464bin theflange portion464 can fix an angular relationship between thecollar member436 and theselector member438 against inadvertent movement. However, the deliberate application of manual force can rotate theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436 when a change in the angular relationship therebetween is desired.

Turning now toFIGS. 17A-17D, the construction of theexample base member430 will now be described in further detail. Theexample base member430 comprises acontainer engaging portion470, first andsecond supports472 and474, analignment groove476, and abottom opening478. Thecontainer engaging portion470 is sized and dimensioned to engage the container of the aerosol system, similar to the situation depicted inFIG. 2A of the drawing.

The first andsecond supports472 and474 extend from thecontainer engaging portion470. Thealignment groove476 extends along the inner surfaces of thesupports472 and474. Thebottom opening478 allows access through thebase member430 as will be described in detail below.

Turning now toFIGS. 20A and 20B of the drawing, the construction of theexample actuator member432 andexample outlet member434 will be described in further detail. Theexample actuator member432 comprises a mountingportion480, a plurality offinger portions482, avalve stem484, and anoutlet seat486. The term “plurality” is used in this application to denote two or more of an item. An actuator passageway488 extends through thevalve stem484, the mountingportion480, and theoutlet seat486.

Theexample outlet member434 is acylindrical tube490 made of resilient material that defines anoutlet passageway492. One end of theoutlet member434 defines anoutlet opening494. The other end of theoutlet member434 defines aseat opening496 that is sized and dimensioned to receive theoutlet seat486.

To combine themembers430,432,434,436, and438 to obtain the dispensingassembly420, theoutlet member434 is first placed within thefinger portions482 of theactuator member432 such that theseat opening496 snugly fits over theoutlet seat486 as shown inFIG. 20B. The engagement of theoutlet member434 with theoutlet seat486 prevents inadvertent removal of theoutlet member434 from within thefinger portions482.

Theactuator member432, with theoutlet member434 supported thereby, is then placed within thecollar chamber450 defined by thecollar member436 as perhaps best shown inFIG. 16. Thevalve stem portion484 of theactuator member432 passes through thecollar slot456 in thecollar member436.

Again as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, theselector member438 is arranged such that the selector threadedportion466 engages the collar threadedportion446 of thecollar member436. Theselector member438 is then rotated until thelock projection448 on thecollar member436 enters thestorage notch464ain theflange464 on theselector member438. At this point, the angular orientation of theselector member438 relative to the collar member is as shown, as examples, inFIGS. 11-16 and21.

Theactuator member432,outlet member434,collar member436, andselector member438 are then displaced such that thevalve stem484 extends through thebottom opening478 in the base member430 (FIG. 16). At this point, theflange464 on theselector member438 is received by thealignment groove476. In addition, thevalve stem484 engages the valve assembly in a conventional manner.

Initially, with thesecurity tab442 in place as shown, as examples, inFIGS. 11 and 12, thebutton portion444 of thecollar member436 cannot be depressed to open the valve assembly. However, with thesecurity tab442 removed as shown inFIGS. 13,15,16,23, and26, applying a force on thebutton portion444 displaces thecollar member436, andactuator member432 supported thereby, towards the container. So displaced, the valve stem484 places the valve assembly in an open configuration to dispense material.

As shown inFIGS. 14 and 21, the shape of thesupports472 and474 is such that thealignment groove476 maintains theselector member438 in a desired orientation relative to thebase member430. However, thealignment groove476 is shaped to allow theactuator member432 to be displaced towards thebase member430 as previously described.

To change a cross-sectional area of theoutlet opening494,selector member438 is rotated as shown by arrow A inFIG. 22 to change an angular orientation of theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436. When the angular orientation is as shown inFIGS. 22-24, thelock projection448 engages a first end of theratchet portion464b. The ratchet notches engage thelock projection448 to maintain the angular orientation as desired. At this point, theoutlet opening494 is at its biggest cross-sectional area (outlet member434 not deformed).

As shown inFIG. 25, continued rotation of theselector member438 in the direction of arrow B further changes the angular orientation of theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436. As this angular orientation changes, the threadedportions446 and466 engage each other to displace thecollar member436 into the receivingrecess468 of theselector member438. Because theselector member438 andactuator member432 are fixed relative to thebase member430, thecollar member436 is displaced relative to theactuator member432 as perhaps best shown by a comparison ofFIGS. 23 and 26.

As perhaps best shown inFIG. 16, thefirst opening surface452 on thecollar member436 engages thefinger portions482 on theactuator member432. Thesefinger portions482 are flexible such that, when engaged by the openingsurface452, thefinger portions482 deflect towards each other.

Because theoutlet member434 is arranged within thefinger portions482, thefinger portions482 squeeze theoutlet member434 when theselector member438 is rotated in the direction shown by arrows A and B inFIGS. 22 and 25. Squeezing theoutlet member434 causes the cross-sectional area of theoutlet opening494 to be reduced. Rotating theselector member438 in a direction opposite to the direction shown by arrows A and B inFIGS. 22 and 25 increases the cross-sectional area of theoutlet opening494.

Further, when the angular orientation of theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436 is between the positions shown inFIGS. 22 and 25, the ratchet notches engage thestop projection448 to fix the angular orientation of theselector member438 relative to thecollar member436 against inadvertent motion.

From the foregoing, it should be clear that the present invention may be embodied in forms other than those described above. The above-described systems are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An aerosol system for dispensing liquid material, comprising:

a container assembly; and

an actuator assembly comprising

an outlet member defining an outlet opening;

a collar member;

an actuator member, where the actuator member

is supported by the container assembly in first and second positions, and

supports the collar member and the outlet member such that movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member causes the collar member to deform the outlet member;

a selector member, where movement of the selector member relative to the collar member causes movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member; wherein

deformation of the outlet member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening;

when the actuator assembly is in the first position, the liquid material is prevented from flowing out of the container; and

when the actuator assembly is in the second position, the liquid material is allowed to flow out of the container assembly through the outlet opening.

2. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which the actuator member is adapted to engage the container assembly such that displacement of the actuator member causes fluid to flow through the outlet opening.

3. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which the actuator assembly further comprises a base member, where the base member is adapted to engage the container assembly and the selector member.

4. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a base member, in which:

the base member defines an alignment structure;

the alignment structure engages the selector member to allow rotation of the selector member relative to the collar member.

5. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 4, in which;

the alignment structure is defined by a groove formed in the base structure; and

the selector member defines a rail; wherein

the groove is sized and dimensioned to receive the rail as the selector member rotates relative to the collar member.

6. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which:

the actuator member defines at least one finger portion that engages the outlet member; and

movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member deforms the at least one finger portion to deform the outlet member.

7. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which:

the actuator member defines a plurality of finger portions, where the plurality of finger portions support the outlet member; and

movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member deforms the finger portions to deform the outlet member.

8. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which:

the selector member defines a selector threaded portion;

the collar member defines a collar threaded portion; and

the selector threaded portion engages the collar threaded portion such that rotation of the selector member displaces the collar member relative to the actuator member.

9. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which:

the selector member comprises a flange portion defining a plurality of ratchet notches;

the collar member defines a lock projection; and

the lock projection engages one of the plurality of ratchet notches to release-ably secure the selector member in a desired angular orientation relative to the collar member.

10. An aerosol system as recited inclaim 1, in which:

the selector member comprises a flange portion defining a plurality of ratchet notches;

the collar member defines a lock projection;

the base portion defines an alignment structure;

the flange portion engages the alignment structure to allow the selector member to rotate relative to the collar member; and

the lock projection engages one of the ratchet notches to release-ably secure the selector member in a desired angular position relative to the collar member.

11. A method of dispensing liquid material, comprising the steps of:

providing a container assembly;

providing an outlet member defining an outlet opening;

providing a collar member;

providing an actuator member;

providing a selector member;

supporting the collar member and the outlet member on the actuator member;

supporting the selector member relative to the collar member such that movement of the selector member relative to the collar member causes movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member;

supporting the actuator member relative to the container assembly;

moving the selector member relative to the collar member to move the collar member relative to the actuator member to cause the collar member to deform the outlet member and thereby alter a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening; and

displacing the actuator member to allow the liquid material to flow out of the container assembly through the outlet opening.

12. A method as recited inclaim 11, in which the step of supporting the actuator member relative to the container assembly comprises the step of engaging the actuator member with the container assembly such that the actuator is movable relative to the container assembly.

13. A method as recited inclaim 11, further comprising the step of arranging a base member to engage the container assembly and the selector member.

14. A method as recited inclaim 13, further comprising the steps of:

defining an alignment structure on the base member;

engaging the alignment structure with the selector member such that the selector member may rotate relative to the collar member.

15. A method as recited inclaim 14, in which:

the step of providing the selector member comprises the step of forming a rail on the selector member; and

the step of defining an alignment structure on the base member comprises the step of forming a groove in the base structure such that the groove is sized and dimensioned to receive the rail as the selector member rotates relative to the collar member.

16. A method as recited inclaim 11, in which:

the step of providing the actuator member further comprises the step of forming at least one finger portion, where the at least one finger portion engages the outlet member; and

the step of moving of the collar member relative to the actuator member comprises the step of deforming the at least one finger portion to deform the outlet member.

17. A method as recited inclaim 11, in which:

the step of providing the actuator member comprises the step of forming a plurality of finger portions, where the plurality of finger portions support the outlet member; and

the step of moving of the collar member relative to the actuator member comprises the step of deforming the finger portions to deform the outlet member.

18. A method as recited inclaim 11, in which:

the step of providing the selector member comprises the step of forming a selector threaded portion;

the step of providing the collar member comprises the step of forming a collar threaded portion; and

engaging the selector threaded portion with the collar threaded portion such that rotation of the selector member displaces the collar member relative to the actuator member.

19. A method as recited inclaim 11, in which:

the step of providing the selector member comprises the step of forming a flange portion defining a plurality of ratchet notches;

the step of providing the collar member comprises the step of forming a lock projection; further comprising the step of

engaging the lock projection with one of the plurality of ratchet notches to release-ably secure the selector member in a desired angular orientation relative to the collar member.

20. A method as recited inclaim 11, in which:

the step of providing the selector member comprises the step of forming a flange portion defining a plurality of ratchet notches;

the step of providing the collar member comprises the step of forming a lock projection; further comprising the steps of

providing base portion defining an alignment structure;

engaging the flange portion with the alignment structure to allow the selector member to rotate relative to the collar member; and

engaging the lock projection with one of the ratchet notches to release-ably secure the selector member in a desired angular position relative to the collar member.

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